A WOMAN who duped the elderly and disabled into believing she was a care worker so she could steal their cash has been jailed for more than two years.

A WOMAN who duped the elderly and disabled into believing she was a care worker so she could steal their cash has been jailed for more than two years.

Louise Mary Elvin, 37, of Farm Road, Weaverham, appeared for sentence at Chester Crown Court last Tuesday after she admitted two burglaries and two thefts.

Peter Hussey, prosecuting, said all the victims were elderly and suffered some form of ill-health or disability.

The first offence was a 'snatch theft' involving Elvin grabbing a purse from a 66-year-old woman, who was left very shaken by the incident.

Mr Hussey said a passer-by, Les Gordon, gave chase and Elvin threw the purse, which contained &#xA3;50, on the ground. Mr Gordon, who received a crown court commendation, caught Elvin and held her until the police arrived.

Mr Hussey said the second incident involved a 66-year-old disabled man who was conned by Elvin, when she pushed her way into his home and stole &#xA3;41.

Mr Hussey said the other victims were also vulnerable, including an 80-year-old man with breathing difficulties. She took sums ranging from &#xA3;100 to &#xA3;150 after telling the victims she was a care worker.

Andrew Jebb, defending, said Elvin had in fact been a care worker until she became addicted to heroin six years ago.

He said Elvin's mother funded her &#xA3;200-a-day addiction until her stepfather stepped in. He said she was genuinely remorseful and custody had come as a relief to escape the violence of her dealer.

Jailing her for two years and four months, the judge told Elvin: 'You took advantage of the vulnerable, elderly and disabled members of the community in your quite disgraceful conduct.'